Chapter 7 - THE UNCLE WHO CONTROLLED EVERYTHING
Renato Ricci was sixty-eight years old.
Elegant.
Soft-spoken.
And terrifyingly calm.
He had built his reputation on loyalty.
He called Alessandro figlio mio—my son.
He had attended every birthday, funeral, and family celebration.
And he had spent decades hiding the truth about Isabella.
When Alessandro confronted him, Renato smiled.
“You're reopening old wounds.”
Alessandro placed the cassette recorder on the table.
“Isabella left this.”
Renato's smile disappeared.
“You should have destroyed it,” he said.
Alessandro stared.
“Why?”
Renato leaned back.
“Because some truths do more harm than good.”
Alessandro's voice turned cold.
“Did you threaten my sister?”
Renato looked toward the window.
“Your sister was reckless.”
“Did you threaten her child?”
Silence.
Alessandro stepped closer.
“Answer me.”
Renato sighed.
“She had evidence that could destroy the family.”
“So you destroyed her instead?”
Renato looked up sharply.
“I never ordered Isabella killed.”
Alessandro froze.
“Then where is she?”
Renato hesitated.
For the first time, fear crossed his face.
“I don't know.”
Alessandro stared.
Renato continued.
“She escaped before my men reached the house.”
“What happened to Daniel?”
Renato looked away.
That was enough.
Alessandro knew his uncle was hiding something.
He left without another word.
Then called his attorney.
“I'm turning over everything.”
The attorney hesitated.
“Even if it implicates Ricci Holdings?”
“Yes.”
“Even if it implicates you?”
Alessandro closed his eyes.
May you like
“Yes.”
For the first time, he chose the truth over the family name.
